LANDOVER, Md. — For the past three years, the Washington Commanders have had a steady run from just one wide receiver, Terry McLoughlin. And today he’s nearly impossible to win a game in the NFL with just one talented wideout.
Washington has made a point of upgrading its receiver room in each of the past two offseasons. I could not do it. And this April, the Commanders selected Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson in his first round.
With McLoughlin signed to a long-term deal, Samuel healthy and Dotson in the mix, Washington entered the 2022 season with the deepest wide receiver room in years. This revamped group was the difference in Washington’s 28-22 win over his Jaguars in Jacksonville, with all three pass catchers shining in Sunday’s matchup.
“[Wide receivers] Director Drew [Terrell] “Wide receivers are going to move this team and be the pieces that move the offense,” Dotson said.
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Early on, it was The Samuel Show. On Washington’s opening his drive, the six-year veteran touched the football three times before Carson, who capped off with his 3-yard touchdown from Wentz. Samuel’s skill set was fully demonstrated in the first half as he missed many Jaguar defenders in space.
Samuel said after the game. “It’s been a while. I don’t want to set a precedent, but I did what I knew I could do.”
On the Commander’s next drive, Samuel touched the ball three more times for 32 yards. Samuel continued to play in the afternoon with a team-high 11 goals, eight receptions, 55 yards and a touchdown.
After multiple Samuel touches put Washington in scoring position, the Commanders’ second offensive possession was capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Wentz to Dotson.
Dotson’s touchdown was a great example of why the Commander’s staff loved him as a prospect. Bounced on the Dotson made the play look routine, but it wasn’t.
“Just Carson [gave] Dotson said. “I could play for this team and that’s what I was able to do.”
“It’s the youngsters that made us feel really good,” Rivera added. “That’s why we did what we did. [by drafting him].”
But it wasn’t all pretty for the Commanders’ offense on Sunday. After finding Paydirt on each of his first two possessions, Scott Turner’s group calmed down.
The Commander’s third series of attacks will be a three and out. Then, during the final offensive possession of the half, Samuel fumbled the football just as Washington was starting to gain momentum. Washington went into halftime with his 14-3 lead, but the Commanders punted on their first possession of the third quarter and Jacksonville responded with a touchdown of their own on his drive.
Then Wentz happened. The Commander’s new quarterback showed the ugly side of his game, throwing back-to-back interceptions on back-to-back possessions. Jacksonville was also able to capitalize on both sales figures. Suddenly, they trailed him by eight with just over 12 minutes remaining.
Wentz and Washington’s entire attack rebounded. On the ensuing drive, Wentz unloaded a deep strike from the right flank to McLoughlin for a 49-yard touchdown. The Washington quarterback’s strong display of play is exactly what the Commanders’ Brass envisioned when he acquired Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason.
“It was great to run the ball as straight as he did,” McLoughlin said.
After a failed conversion on the ensuing two-point try, the Washington defense was forced into a three-and-out, giving Wentz and the offense another chance to regain the lead. It was able to slowly march down the field in what appeared to be a conservative setup for Joey Sly’s field goal attempt.
Commanders didn’t have to resort to kick games, though.
Facing 3rd and 8th from the Jaguars’ 24-yard line, Dotson found himself one-on-one with Jacksonville cornerback Tyson Campbell. The Commander’s rookie made an impressive double move to score the detachment on Campbell. Wentz scored a perfect strike for Dotson with his 6-pointer for the second time of the day. This was the decisive factor in Sunday’s matchup.
“I knew I could put a double move on him, so I was able to beat him,” said Dotson. “Carson trusted his receiver and gave me a chance. That’s what we did….I finished the game, prepared to be 1-0, did something exciting for my team and hoped we would get over the hump. Please help me out.”
Wentz’s performance had its ups and downs for the Commanders on Sunday. His two interceptions almost cost him. But at the end of the day, the Washington quarterback threw for his 313 yards and his four touchdowns, taking advantage of the talented commander’s receiving force, which was essentially rebuilt this offseason.
“I just look at the people around me and I know I have nothing but confidence in them,” Wentz said. I know that.”
Like McLoughlin, Samuel, and Dotson, Washington has a versatile and versatile receiving corps. On Sunday afternoon, it was on display as each wideout shone at a specific point against Jacksonville. Worries about not having enough targets to go around were thrown out the window.
“I think we can be a very dynamic group. All three of us have great skill sets,” McLoughlin said. “Three different guys bringing three different things to the table.” We all have a chance to play big….we want to have as many weapons as possible to make this attack explosive…no responsibility. So it feels really good to see Curtis and Jahan come out and play with the other guys.
“You can never have too many weapons,” added Samuel. “We have players who can play the whole field.”
And with the receiver unit as productive as it was against Jacksonville, we believe the group still has a lot to do in the next 16 games.
“We have a lot of things planned for the future and we’ve got a lot of people playing, and I’m super excited to get this,” Dotson said. .
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